Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa​, Peebles, near Edinburgh, has completed a series of important renovations to its award-winning, Dave Thomas-designed, championship golf course. Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, the UK’s largest independently owned hotel group, has invested more than £90,000 to renovate the bunkers on the 6,856-yard, Par-72 layout, which includes installing Blinder Bunker Liner to enhance drainage.

In addition, the former European Challenge Tour venue has also completed a programme of sand exchange on every bunker, while renovation work has also been completed on the course’s numerous pathways.

Keith Pickard, Group Director of Golf, Leisure & Spa at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, said: “With a number of fairways skirting the River Tweed, we have had instances in the past where the riverbanks have over-flowed, causing damage to the course.

“One of the goals of this renovation project was to ensure the bunkers are capable of draining as efficiently as possible, enabling the course to be in tournament condition for our members and visitors, all-year-round.”

Alongside the installation of liners, the cut lines of every bunker have also been enhanced to ensure they are more visible from the fairways and accurately match Dave Thomas’ original course design.

Keith added: “We are hugely fortunate at Cardrona to have such a scenic golf course, but the work we have carried out has further enhanced its overall aesthetic appeal, ensuring golfers will enjoy the very best experience, whenever they play.

“The positive feedback we have already had from guests certainly suggests that the renovation project has been a considerable success.”

This latest investment follows the £550,000 renovation project at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts’ five UK golf venues in 2016, which included greens projects works and new course maintenance vehicles as part of a commitment to further enhance playing conditions and the wider customer experience.

In addition, the hotel group has also committed to investing in initiatives designed to help support junior golf participation, with its free junior golf membership campaign, as well as the charitable initiative to support the Stephen Gallacher Foundation, which aims to raise over £50,000 for the worthwhile cause.